A REAL-TERMS reduction in local government funding over recent years must be halted to prevent Scotland’s communities and businesses suffering the effects of further cutbacks, Cosla demanded today.

Ahead of next month’s budget, Scotland’s local authority body said that local government’s unique role in economic transformation must be recognised to enable meaningful reinvestment in the services underpinning the economy. 

Councils reiterated the importance of their significant spending power and the potential to build local wealth.